MACROECONOMICS+ACHIEVE 1-TERM AC (LL)
MACROECONOMICS+ACHIEVE 1-TERM AC (LL)
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781319467203
Author: Mankiw
Publisher: MAC HIGHER
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 17, Problem 1QQ
To determine

Cause of large increase in government debt.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1QQ

Option ‘c’ is the correct answer.

Explanation of Solution

Option (c):

The wars and the related expenditure are the most common reasons which increase the government expenditure. The defense expenditure of any government is priority expenditure. During war period and the subsequent years, the rate of output, production, employment, and consumption would be low. This implies that the revenue of the government would be much less than the Government spending. Thus, the government incurs debts to finance the defense on wars throughout the U.S history. Thus, option (c) is correct.

Option (a):

The recessions are periods of economic downturns which would lead to a decline in the revenue from tax. However, they are not the most common cause of government debt.

Thus, option (a) is incorrect.

Option (b):

The supply side policies of a government which promotes growth along with tax cuts will induce more investment, production, and employment in the economy. Though the immediate revenue cannot be obtained, these policies will ultimately move the economy to a period of progress. The debt incurred due to these policy regulations is also less compared to other causes. Thus, option (b) is incorrect.

Option (d):

The entitlement programs which aim at helping the elderly are part of social security measures adopted by the government. Though this spending is unproductive, it is important for the welfare of the society. However, the spending of the government in this sector is less than the expenditure on other areas. Thus, option (d) is incorrect.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
What is likely to be the immediate effect on a country's national debt if the government decides to increase public spending without raising taxes? A. The national debt will decrease. B. The national debt will increase. C. There will be no change in the national debt. D. The national debt will initially increase, but then decrease as the economy grows.
What is the primary goal of fiscal policy? A. Maintaining price stability B. Achieving full employment C. Promoting economic growth D. Regulating financial markets
When governments run budget deficits, how do they make up the differences between tax revenue and spending?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
MACROECONOMICS FOR TODAY
Economics
ISBN:9781337613057
Author:Tucker
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Text book image
Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:9781337613040
Author:Tucker
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Survey Of Economics
Economics
ISBN:9781337111522
Author:Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:Cengage,
Text book image
Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:9781337617383
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Macroeconomics
Economics
ISBN:9781337617390
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Economics Today and Tomorrow, Student Edition
Economics
ISBN:9780078747663
Author:McGraw-Hill
Publisher:Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Pub Co